This dry white wine, Chenin Blanc, is made from grapes harvested from eight old vineyards planted between 1968 and 1986. David & Nadia draw on the granite soils of Paardeberg, the shale and schist to the east, the clay-rich soils to the north, and the iron-rich soils to the west; these vineyards have earned Old Vine Project certification.
After whole-cluster pressing, the wine is aged for 11 months in neutral 300-liter French oak barrels, while about 25% of the blend is aged in concrete tanks. The result is a wine with a distinctive texture. It features a smooth, lustrous texture reminiscent of beeswax, with aromas of orchard fruits such as apricot and pear, and a long, very dry finish. Opinions on its body range from medium to distinctly full-bodied.
In this region, where summer temperatures can exceed 40°C, 2023 was one of the years with the lowest harvest yields in over a decade. Best enjoyed through 2036.
Robert Parker (92)
The David & Nadia 2023 Swartland Chenin Blanc was a little closed when I tasted it, but the wine grew more expressive as it warmed in the glass. Its medium-bodied texture feels waxy and glossy on the mid-palate with apricot, Golden Delicious apple and preserved lemon. It delivers simple lines with a smooth texture over a straightforward and genuine presentation. There are hints of brioche and pastry cream on the close.
James Suckling (93)
Sliced pears, apples, crushed rocks, chamomile and thyme on the nose, followed by a creamy, full-bodied and textural palate. Lots of breadth, with mineral freshness and a long, very dry finish. Drink or hold.
Jancis Robinson (16)
From eight vineyards, planted from 1968 to 1986. Granite soils from the Paardeberg blended with shale/schist from the east, clay-rich soils from the north and iron-rich soils from the western parts of the region. Whole-bunch pressed, matured for 11 months in neutral 300-litre French oak barrels. 25% of the blend was aged in concrete. Old Vine Project certified.
Low-key nose. Excellent balance and purity but I'd hold on for a bit. Green apples but not much honey at present. Jancis Robinson
Vinous (90)
The 2023 Chenin Blanc comes from eight vineyards, all part of the Old Vine Project on mostly granite soils. It has a fresh nose with citrus fruit and a pronounced sea spray/marine influence. The palate is well balanced with a smooth entry, slightly oily texture and a neutral finish, displaying just a touch of white pepper on the aftertaste. It’s a minimalistic wine, but I can see this aging nicely in bottle.
